The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 09
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 09
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
Sir,
In former letters I have had the honor to mention to you the
conversation, which had passed between the Saxon Minister at this
Court and myself, on the subject of forming commercial and amicable
connexions between the United States and the Elector. As I had no
authority or instructions from Congress, I could only avail myself of
general expressions of the desire of my constituents to cultivate the
friendship of the different powers of Europe, and of extending their
commerce to all. I declined when pressed, to give my sentiments in
writing, unless the Saxon Minister would give me, by permission of his
Court, such extracts of his official letters as might enable me
immediately to notify to Congress in a proper manner, the amicable
disposition of his master; assuring him, however, that I should not
fail of communicating to that body the substance of our general
conversations, which I was persuaded would receive with great
satisfaction an account of the Elector's friendly intentions. This
gentleman being rather indiscreet in his conduct, I was perhaps more
upon my guard with him than I should have been with a person of a
different character. On his pressing me, however, to give him my
sentiments on the best means to forward an intercourse between the two
countries, I replied verbally, that in my opinion, the speediest and
most effectual method would be, to send from Saxony to America a
person well acquainted with the commerce of his own country, and
properly authorised, who being able to judge on the spot what
advantages were to be derived from such intercourse, might
immediately treat with Congress if the Elector thought proper.
After some hesitation, he agreed to my propositions, and advised his
Court thereof. Yesterday he addressed me a letter, of which I have now
the honor to enclose you a copy, together with an extract of his
official despatches. A visit which he paid me a few hours after he
sent me the above papers, rendered a written answer unnecessary. I
confessed to him, the high sense which Congress would have of this
proof of the Elector's good will, and added, that I would take the
earliest opportunity of communicating it. I promised him also the
letters he required for M. Thieriot. I hope my conduct will have the
approbation of Congress.
Nothing material has transpired since my last of the 25th instant,
except that I am persuaded, that the convention between France, Spain,
and Portugal was signed here between the 15th and 17th of this month.
I am told, that it has for its basis a treaty concluded between the
two latter nations in 1778, with supplementary secret articles. The
northern powers, particularly Russia, appear jealous of the objects of
this treaty. Great Britain seems to have had no knowledge of it.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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